TRY PETROLEUM JELLY TO SOOTHE RAW HANDS
Plus: To attract hummingbirds to yard, tie a big red ribbon on the feeder
Q I am a fan; your tips and solutions are so helpful. Thank you! During this critical time, while the constant handwashing and sanitizing is so very important, it truly has taken a toll on my hands and nails. I am an essential worker and look forward to your reply!
A Thank you for your service! Handwashing is definitely hard on skin and nails, but as you so wisely said, crucial during this difficult time.
Some essential workers wash their hands hundreds of times each day, causing the outer layer of skin made up of natural oils to be eroded. This natural skin layer helps to maintain the natural moisture in our body.
Constant handwashing removes those natural oils and waxes, leaving dry and sore skin. Petroleum jelly is still one of the most effective moisturizers on the market, great for both skin and nails.
Apply a thin layer to hands and wear soft cloth, cotton gloves for a few hours during your time at home to relieve your skin and rejuvenate your hands.
Avoid lotions that contain fragrance.
For a less greasy sensation, consider using Vaseline Intensive Care advanced repair lotion to soothe your hands.
In dry homes, you can install a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
Q I would like to make my own food for hummingbirds, but I have run out of red food colouring. Is there something that I can substitute for food colouring to attract hummingbirds to my yard?
A It is best not to use red food colouring when making your own hummingbird food, as the colouring can be hazardous to the adorable little birds.
All you need to do is combine one part sugar to four parts water. Mix and pour inside your feeder. Most feeders nowadays are red, which will attract hummingbirds to your yard.
You can also tie a big red bow to the feeder to capture their attention.
Or attract hummingbirds to the feeder by hanging it amid red flowers and in a shady or partially shady area.
It is important to note that hummingbird feeders are only a supplement to their diet and not their main food source. They feed on soft-shelled bugs and spiders, as well as flower nectar.
Be sure to clean the feeder on a regular basis and do not use dish soap as this can make the birds sick.
Note: Regular hummingbird visitors will sometimes drink out of your hand. Tie a red ribbon onto your wrist and hold out some hummingbird juice in your palm. I have seen hummingbirds drink directly out of the hands of very patient people.
Q Please provide me with an easy way to clean my makeup brushes.
A Separate synthetic brushes from natural animal hairbrushes. Pour a little water into a clear container; add a few drops of dish soap. Swish the synthetic brushes in the mixture. Pour water into another container with shampoo ( just add enough water to cover the animal hair brushes). Swish the brushes until clean. Dry on a towel. Be careful not to allow the water to soak the handle so that the adhesive that holds the bristles doesn’t let go.
FEEDBACK FROM WISE CONTRIBUTORS
Re: Preventing shoelaces from untying
I would like to agree totally with your second method to prevent shoelaces from coming undone (“after tying shoes, tuck the aglets inside of the shoes”). I have always had this problem when running.
Several years ago, I learned about this method from a fellow runner. They have never come undone, and so I passed that tip on to others who agree.
Re: Ground beef
I read your column regularly and find it helpful. But I was dismayed at your solution to reducing the fat content in ground beef. Fat/grease should never be put down household drains; such a practice contributes to clogged sewer pipes and is detrimental to water treatment plants. Search online “fat blobs in sewer systems.”
Please consider a more environmental solution — keep a disposable container in the freezer to put all fat and grease into.
When it is full, dispose of it in regular garbage.
Thank you.
NOTHING LIKE A BOWL OF SOUP
When making soup broth, put herbs into a coffee filter. Close with a rubber band or twist tie. Drop into broth and remove after broth is made.
Note: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting from the implementation of any suggestions in this column. Test all products on an inconspicuous area first.